Interested in being civically engaged even before reaching voting age? The Young Conservatives and Young Liberals Clubs at Edina High School are two student led organizations based around politics and getting students involved, even for underaged voters. The groups hold events such as debate watching parties and meetings focused on registering young voters before Election Day. Despite their ideological differences, both groups work toward the common goal of increasing political activism and civic engagement among students.

Both clubs have similar agendas and activities, even with their opposite political views. “We wanted to gather like-minded individuals together so we could talk policy and politics,” said senior Alex Johnson, a member of the YCC. “We meet to review debates and to talk about the election and different issues,” said senior Sam Henneberg, a member of the YLC. Both groups also have gathered to watch and discuss the presidential debates and plan to continue doing so, as well as meeting to discuss policy and election issues.

Even though the clubs are focused around politics, they aren’t necessarily aiming to make every member an ideological diehard. “Even if you’re confused on political views, we’re not necessarily saying that you have to believe this way. We can educate each other on how we think, and why we think that way. We have a lot of people that form their own opinions, but we like to share why we think the way we do,” said senior and YCC member Macs Balcer.

The Young Conservatives plan to host business leaders to discuss conservative policy, as well as a future visit from Representative Keith Ellison, according to Johnson. The Young Liberals worked with the Minnesota DFL last year to host an informational session about how to participate in a caucus. A major focus with both groups is to get young people involved and politically active. “I think it’s really important to voice your opinion whether it matters or not. Your vote isn’t just who you want to vote for, it’s a reflection of your own political beliefs and what you think the country should be,” said Johnson.

Even in a time of ever-increasing political polarization across party lines, the Young Liberals and Young Conservatives Clubs hold no animosity for each other. “It’s exactly what we’re doing,” said Balcer about the YLC. “I don’t think there should be any rivalry or anything.” “Sometime later in the year we might host a debate where we can have the Conservative and Liberal Clubs kinda go at it,” said Johnson. The Young Liberals feel the same way. “I respect their right to form the club, and would like to have some respectful discussions with them in the future,” said junior Anna Lampron, YLC member.

The YLC and YCC provide an opportunity for students on either side of the aisle. Both clubs agree that it’s important to be politically involved. “I think it’s really important that youth care about politics because we’re going to end up being the next generation to be in control of the world. It’s important that people learn more about political issues and become involved in activities,” said Henneberg.